We're Moving!

Let me make this clear, I am not actually moving, this blog however is.  I've made the executive decision to move Living a Life of Truth to WordPress.com.  What does this mean?  It means this, I will no longer be posting here, though I will not delete this blog quite yet.  My regular, irregular, posting will resume here though with everything that I've been doing, including the Go Green! series as well as a new project that is in the works.

I hope that you will join me at our new home, and continue to follow me through life's twists and turns. I enjoy blogging so much and it's been a blessing to meet so many great people and hear their stories.

Days until graduation: 83
Days until moving day: 169

Hiatus

I'm taking a break from the internet for a while. Right now, I'm planning on being gone for a week.  What does this mean? It means no blog posts until I decide I'm ready to come back.

I'll explain later, or maybe not.  I know I've got to do this though.

Until then.

Days until graduation: 90
Days until moving day: 176

A to Z Challenge

After accomplishing BEDA in August for the first time, I knew I wanted to do BEDA again this April, especially since I'm sure I'll start to feel really nostalgic and stuff since it'd be a month away from graduation.

And then I came across this A to Z challenge post that Hazel did on her blog.  I decided that it had some major potential for fun and awesomeness and signed up to do it too.

Basically, each day of the month you blog for each letter of the alphabet.  It's a pretty easy concept but it's going to be a challenge.

For more information, you can check out the event blog where they have all the ins and outs of the event and many pretty badges for your blog if you decide you're up for the challenge.

Ask Me Questions!

I thought I'd let everyone know, I'm on Formspring.  Feel free to ask me anything. (:

It's Sinking In

Currently I'm speechless.  When I admit that I'm speechless, I really am speechless.  Why am I so speechless you might ask, well it's all sinking in.

In November I was shocked when I opened our mailbox to find a large envelope from SC's Green Team.  Jason, the GT sponsor, was offering me a scholarship.  That day, my parents and I were so tickled with that envelope we couldn't stop talking about it.

Since then the talk has died down a little bit. But everyone once in a while when we run into someone that we haven't seen in a few months, my mom is the first to share the news and smile like a grinning fool.  She is also the one that talks most about SC and how excited we are about the school.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally got everything the admissions committee needed, including a few extra letters explaining why I'm one semester short on my transcript and why my grades aren't the best of things in this world.  I've been milling around since then, just waiting and waiting.  I tried my hardest not to think about it, but my anxiety over things reflecting a lot on my near future kind of got in the way.

I was wondering what I would do if SC didn't accept me.  I hadn't planned on anything other than SC since fall of 2010 when I first met with Rodney, one of the SC representatives who has been ever so helpful over the last couple of years.  I was getting pretty worked up over this too.  I had started looking into some community colleges and started filling out a couple of applications.  I was just worried that one of my fears was going to come true and that I would be stuck there suspended in mid air only to fall flat on my face and not be able to have a second option to turn to.

I hadn't sent any of my other applications out yet though, and what do you know, the stars aligned and God did what He does and I got a pretty e-mail in my inbox yesterday from Rodney.

What I'm getting at ladies and gentlemen is this: I'm officially a Southwestern College Moundbuilder!

I should clarify, I actually read my acceptance e-mail via Facebook. I don't know if that's a thing that SC does, or if Rodney does it, or if he did it because he's gotten to know me over the last few months and decided to let me know once he found out or not.  Regardless, when I first read: "Congratulations on your acceptance to Southwestern College!" I felt mixed emotions. I felt a jolt of excitement, a rush of adrenaline and a little shock.  It happened so fast that I actually started crying on the spot.

I of course, yelled too. After managing to calm the dogs down I called my mom, though I was still crying.  She was confused at first because I had stayed home yesterday and went to the doctor because of a horrible ear ache.  Later she told me that she thought something bad had happened at the doctor's office.  I told her the news though, over the phone, even though I'm not supposed to call her at work, I just couldn't contain the excitement and I had to share it with her; she had worked so hard with me to get here, I couldn't wait until she got home.

Rodney had told me to watch in the mail for a purple envelope in the mail with the official letter and the typical "you've been accepted" type things.  I was expecting Tuesday to see my purple evelope in the rusted out and bullet hole covered mailbox.  Low and behold, today when we got home from the Sport Boat and Travel Show, mom checked the mailbox and found a PURPLE envelope. We both screamed in excitement.

We didn't realize that
A) It was a big envelope
or
B) it was going to be that purple.

Of course, we all rushed inside so I could open it. It was probably a good thing I waited to open it in the house because it was packed with lots of SC goodies.

More sticky notes, another pen with sticky notes inside,
a jinx bracelet, a key holder, and another lanyard (the third
one to be exact).

Now, as I'm sitting here with a pounding headache and my ears aching so badly I want to scratch the entire ear canal out of my body, I realize that this is really happening.  I'm growing up.  Before I know it graduation will be here and then gone.  New Orleans trip will have passed and I'll be starting a brand new chapter in a massive series of books called My Life as I begin college.  As much as I want to say "This can't be true, pinch me and I'll wake up", I know it isn't.

I just now realized how much enthusiasm
I'm lacking from being ill.
But it's true, I'm accepted!

The last few months I think my parents have slowly started realizing these things too.  That in a few short months they'll be following me down to Winfield and helping me move into my first living space outside of their house and then leaving me behind when they go home.  My dad though, I kind of worry what he'll be like when that time comes. I know that both of my parents are going to try to be the big macho parents on campus and try sucking it up and not crying in front of me, but I know they will.

Especially my dad.  We've been through a lot this past year, and in 2012, though we're only two months in, we've spent a lot of time together and have had some great laughs (so many in fact there were a few instances where I'm sure we almost pooped ourselves...).  I guess in some ways I'm kind of a daddy's girl.  He'll be the first to break, I just know it.  But this isn't what I'm worried about.  I know it's normal for parents to get emotional about their children moving out and things, especially their youngest, I get it.  I'm worried about how my dad will handle it two or three months after they leave me at school.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to be one of those kids who comes home only on holidays, I live too close to do that kind of thing, plus, I love my family and my mom's cooking.  I think it's just going to be hard for him because we've begun to patch our relationship up and then I'm moving out.

I know though, that this is just something we're all going to have to adjust to.  Life is constantly changing and we're all having to constantly adapt.  I'm sure the first few months will be difficult on all of us, but I know we're going to make it through, we have no other choice, eh?  If there's anything else I know, it's that God will be with both of my parents and make them feel secure about everything.

Bit of a long winded post, eh? I just had to share the news and feelings, it's a massive thing happening.  I mean, actually, legitimately, happening now.  It's all real.

Also, while we were out and about today, that is before we came home to my purple envelope, we some how ended up in a kitchen store some where between Park City and Newton (I fell asleep after we hit Park City, so I really don't know where it's at) and I found a jinx cookie cutter! The jinx cat is affiliated with SC, it's kind of the unofficial mascot for the school, I'll have to explain soon.  I'll have to make sure to post photos of my test cookies for graduation using the jinx cookie cutter. (:

I wasn't even planning on having cookies at my graduation
party. I couldn't pass up a jinx cookie cutter though!

Link of the day: Awesomeness that is my good friend Jess, who I met via the internet a couple years ago.  She lives across that MASSIVE pond and makes cakes that make me drool. She's pretty awesome.

Days until graduation: 91
Days until moving day: 177

Senior Photos

In the fall we had a family friend come to town to take my senior photos. We spent the entire day around Mulvane and out in the country in the wonderful weather taking over 200 photos total.  I decided that I should probably start figuring out which ones I want to use when we send out my graduation announcements.  Although, I don't know how helpful this will be since I'm planning on doing some more when it gets warmer since I've chopped my hair off and things.

Anyway. I started playing around with a few of the photos.  Adding text and things.  My mom had originally wanted to do it but she caved and let me do it instead.  I think tomorrow I'm going to start from scratch with these again and try some new things, like change the coloring on the text so it shows up better.

This one is probably my favorite.

What do you think? I'm the first to admit that I'm a noob when it comes to editing photos, I could use some guidance. *shifty*

Link of the day: This Day in History Archaeologists opened King Tut's tomb in 1923. 

Days until graduation: 92

Days until moving day: 178

One Year Later

One year ago I experienced for the first time ever walking with both legs at the same length. Not only were both legs finally the same length but I had two normal hips, though one was made of titanium and porcelain, either way February 14th, 2011 was a joyous day.

I've talked a fair amount about the things leading up to surgery, and even recounting everything from that day.

A year ago I wouldn't have thought that with my new hip I would have done as much as I have.  I wouldn't have even began to think that I would have done a two mile walk less than  eight weeks after surgery. Or that I could walk all over SC campus for the first time without missing a beat, less than eight weeks after surgery.  I wouldn't even believe you if you told me that my best friend's would take me River Fest for the first time just because I wanted to walk around.

This past year has been a roller coaster ride.  There were many times when I thought I couldn't do it and had lots of break downs, but I pulled through.  If there's anything that this last year has taught me, it's been this: I can do anything. With the help of God holding me up when I needed it most, and letting me figure things out, I've managed to overcome so many obstacles.

How am I celebrating my one year anniversary? Walking on ice through the parking lot to get to school after nearly falling at least five times and now staying in to study for my four exams this week.  I am however very appreciative of my awesome friends, family and God; without them I'm not sure what I would do.

Link of the day: Valentine's Day History, it's kind of interesting to see where it orginated from, that it's not just something that Hallmark thought up one day and decided it would be a thing from then on.

Days until Valentine's Day: 0
Days until graduation: 94
Days until moving day: 180

life

I found out today that a friend of mine who graduated last year is being deployed in August for Afghanistan.  I knew something like this was going to happen, I mean you can't become a soldier in the United States armed forces and not expect to be deployed some where at some point. I guess the naive person that I am thought it couldn't happen this soon.

This concept is weird for me. I know what comes with being in the military, you go where you're told without asking any ifs, ands or buts. The only logical conclusion I have come up with is the fact that this whole growing up thing is really starting to sink in.  I was just talking to my dad about this, about how I didn't expect him to be deployed just yet; it's hard for me to grasp the fact that we're getting older and growing up and doing things with our lives, it's not just high school any more but the real world.

I know life outside of high school will be different.  I've already been figuring that out.  The last month, since I've turned eighteen, my parents have been a lot more relaxed about how late I stay out and have been letting me make my own choices on a lot of things.  My mom has realized this too, seeing as I have been making some better choices when it comes to certain things like school and my health.  I've been taking responsiblity for the decisions I've been making, and in general have started to think more critically about things.

Tomorrow I was supposed to be boarding a bus at 7:30 am to go to Rose Hill for a conference for one of the clubs I'm in.  I paid for my seat on the bus and had even asked my mom for money for lunch, but today, after I thought things through, I went in to talk to the club sponsor and told her that I was opting out of the conference to stay at school and get caught up on things.  I could have easily just went ahead and went to the conference and fall behind another day but instead I decided not to.

I've been trying to brace the fact that not only am I'm an adult now but that I'll be moving out in August but at the same time I've been trying to enjoy my senior and make it memorable.  It's a hard thing, especially when you realize that some of your friends are graduating college, getting married and having kids.  Or as in the case I realized today, being deployed to the Middle East.

Life is a crazy thing.  As much as the unknown in life scares me, I'm ready to embrace it with a open heart, mind and eyes with God beside me.

Link of the day: Noodling Just so you really know what I'm willing to do in my life at some point.

days until Valentine's Day: 6
days until graduation: 100
days until moving day: 186

what's on my mind: MDT

I was going to blog about what's been on my mind for the last day and a half...or week and a half...but I ended up vlogging it earlier today when I was driving home from school. So instead of writing out what I said and correcting my grammar, I'll just share with you my ramblings of this afternoon.

Link of the Day: fyeahthespianpeacocks If I wasn't so lazy, I'd probably end up reblogging every single post.

days until MDT: 1
days until Valentine's Day: 11
days until graduation: 105

eleven question tag

I was tagged by lovely Stephanie who has been blogging everyday over at her blog.


The Rules

• Post these rules
• Post 11 random things about yourself
• Answer the questions that tagger set for you in their post
• Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
• Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged. (No cop-outs, like "If you're following me/reading this, you're tagged. You have to legitimately tag people)

Random Things about Me

1. I love doing most yard work, makes me feel content as I do something productive.
2. I will try new foods and combinations that normally aren't eaten (right now I want to try eating a cricket with Taco Bell's FIRE! sauce on it)
3. When I caught my first fish when I was three on a small pink fishing pole, when I felt the bite I threw the pole down and ran to the house.
4. I prefer to shoot a handgun over a shotgun.
5. I promised to to take my dad deep sea fishing before he dies.
6. I've never ridden a train before, though I think I'd enjoy it.
7. I learned fractions by cooking with my mom when I was younger. She did the same with my brother too.
8. If I didn't detest math so much I would become an astronomer.
9. I wouldn't mind being trained as a storm chaser.
10. I make cupcakes for my advisory class for random occasions.
11. I'm scared poopless for the mystery dinner theatre on Saturday.

Questions from Stephanie

1. If you could time travel, would you go to the future or the past? Why? Being the history nerd that I am, I'm going with the past.  There's so many events that I would love to have been present for, it just makes me go crazy when I remember that time travel currently isn't possible. *sigh*
2. What is your favourite fast food place? Unfortunately, I've eaten too much of fast food in my life and though I prefer a place that has home cooked food I'm going to have to go with Taco Bell only because it's cheap and solves my hunger when I'm on the fly during the week.
3. Have you done the personality test? (here) What is your personality type? I did once, for a class a couple years ago, but I did it again anyway. INTJ
4. Are you superstitious? Yup. Ask me about the Tape Ball and what happened on closing night of Guys and Dolls...
5. Who is your biggest inspiration? Tough one! I normally can't single out one person on questions like these, but I'll say Oprah Winfrey. I say Oprah because of how she's turned things around in her life and has continued to pursue things even when things get tough. Crappy explanation, but that's about all the words I can string together for now.
6. Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? Yes, I did. I forget her name though.  We used to swing on the swing set in the back yard.
7. What is your favourite season? Autumn, it's not too cold, not too warm and I can spend some of it hunting and/or fishing.
8. Chocolate or lollies? Chocolate. Definitely chocolate.
9. Are you allergic to anything? Food: nothing that I know of. I've eaten a lot of foods in my life so I really don't think I'm allergic to anything common. Animals: nothing, although I fear I might be allergic to bees, seeing as I've never been stung before. Medicines: Tylenol, though it's found in nearly EVERY medication out there, I just can't have an enormous amount or my blood work gets crazy.
10. What are you most talented at? I really don't know, probably just being a great listener.
11. Are you a grammar nazi? :P YES. For years my friends come to me to proof their papers, and I often troll Facebook to fix other's grammar in their statuses.

Eleven More Questions

1. Who is your favorite actress?
2. Have you ever eaten elk?
3. Do you have any pets?
4. How often do you read?
5. Belong to any clubs/organizations during school?
6. When's the last family vacation you took? Where did you go?
7. Can you speak another language?
8. What's your dream job?
9. Have you ever met any of your blogger friends IRL?
10. Do you do stuff on YouTube? If you do, will you link us?
11. What's your favorite bird?

And last but not least, I tag Kathy (even though she's already done it a billion times...), and Emily.  Can't wait to see your responses!

Link of the day: Heart Valentine Mahjong I've been playing it quite a few times in the last few days, it's fun and festive!

days until MDT: 2

days until Valentine's Day: 12

days until graduation: 106